Getting diagnosed with mental illness can be a long and grueling process for many people.

With illnesses like anxiety, symptoms are hard to understand and aren't always treated with the same seriousness as physical illness.

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When someone with physical illness or a cold wants to stay in, it's accepted without question by most...

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...but when a person with mental illness needs to cancel plans, people don't always understand their reasoning.

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Going to a doctor when you are physically sick seems like a no-brainer, however, for mental illness many people feel ashamed and don't get the answers they're searching for when they seek a diagnosis.

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Most physical ailments offer some sort of treatment plan, but for someone suffering for mental illness, they might turn to self-medication – though everyone copes in their own ways.

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If you're physically ill, taking a sick day is common in most work places. However, paid time off for those suffering from mental illness can be uncommon. Even if a workplace does offer mental health days, the stigma that surrounds taking a day to take care of your mental health can be discouraging.

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Like physical illness, some people who are suffering from mental illness have difficulty sleeping and seek any solution to combat their insomnia.

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And even those don't work all the time.

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If someone with physical illness has a coughing fit or sneeze attack, they will probably be met with tissues or told to go home and feel better. If someone with anxiety has a panic attack in public, they're typically met with confused and sometimes even scared looks.

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While everyone experiences mental health differently, getting diagnosed can feel like a never-ending cycle for some.

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Remember to be conscientious of how you talk about mental illness, because it can have a significant effect on someone’s well-being. Overall, just be kind and empathetic, regardless of a person’s diagnosis.